The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a private security guard accused of stealing valuables worth hundreds of millions of shillings in a high-value theft incident reported earlier this month.
In a statement, police identified the suspect as Akena Justine, an employee of Magnum Security Company.
He was attached to a duty post at Goldex Uganda Limited along Mawanda Road in Kampala at the time of the alleged offence.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on April 10, 2026, when Akena is said to have stolen a bag containing UGX 29 million in cash and 900 grams of gold valued at approximately UGX 500 million.
The property reportedly belonged to Katuramu Maggie and was inside a motor vehicle parked within the secured premises.
Following the theft, authorities say the suspect locked up the premises and fled, prompting a manhunt.
He allegedly went into hiding as police launched investigations into the incident.
On April 15, 2026, at around 10:30 pm, Akena was arrested from Gaspa Village in Bweyale Town Council following coordinated police operations. He was later interrogated and reportedly admitted to the offence.
Preliminary findings further indicate that part of the stolen money was used to open a retail shop, which investigators say played a key role in tracking him down.
Police confirmed that the suspect is currently detained at Mawanda Road Police Station, where he remains in custody as detectives finalize investigations and prepare case files for prosecution.
Authorities have since reiterated concerns over internal security risks in private guarding firms, noting that further scrutiny may be conducted on deployment procedures within contracted security companies handling high-value assets.